About the CD:Christmas is a-coming and the goose is getting fat, and with it Christmas music, drummer boys, choirs, bells and other assorted accompaniment abound, from string quartets and French horns to orchestras and brass bands. All except for a sparkling new addition to the holiday music catalogue, simply called Simply Christmas, featuring simply piano and one voice – Robin Harper’s.
Teaming up with pianist Marvin Goldstein, talented vocalist Robin is celebrating the intimacy and simplicity of the holidays by putting a new twist on the Christmas standards we’ll all start whistling right after Thanksgiving, including “The Christmas Song,” “White Christmas,” “Santa Baby,” and “Silent Night.”
“This is the time of year when music helps us renew our faith as well as our sense of fun,” Robin said. “I wanted to combine the two by choosing songs close to our hearts, jazz them up a little and have a good time with them. And with just us – Marvin’s marvelous piano accompaniment and me – it’s like we’re in your living room, sharing an intimate holiday gathering with your family,” she said.
Robin has always loved to perform and has sung in church all her life, envisioning her future one day as a country singer. Growing up in California’s Orange County, she veered away from country at one point as a member of the DavElliott5, a jazz vocal ensemble. Then life happened.
A husband and family. Four kids. Robin’s love of music has never waned, however, and now her life has come full circle, back to music, with this first offering of musical holiday cheer.
Sometimes, they say, less is more… and with Simply Christmas, no truer words were ever spoken…or sung.
The only time I've reviewed a CD is when it was part of a book. When the opportunity to review Simply Christmas came up, I jumped. I love Christmas songs and as soon as I start decorating for Christmas, I start the music. It's in my car and my home.
Simpy Christmas is that: quite simply just a piano and a vocalist. I have always loved Marvin Goldstein's piano music and Robin's voice is lovely. There is a definite jazzy tone to the songs and her style invokes a 1940s feel, which I really like. She sings a terrific jazzy version of The Christmas Song and Mary Did You Know is very pretty.
The best part of this album? Robin sings I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day which is my absolute favorite Christmas song. I have never seen an album with it recorded and while the song is in our hymn book at church, I'm lucky if it gets sung during a Christmas season unless Christmas is on Sunday! I loved Robin's version of it and I'm thrilled that I can now listen to it during Christmas.
This is a lovely album and one I know I will enjoy this season. It's a comforting, relaxing blend of Christmas music.
Thanks to Bostick Communications and the artist for the opportunity to review this CD. You can learn more about Robin Harper here. You can purchase your own copy here
Listened 12/12
* * * * *
5/5 Stars
Enjoy your CD! Happy Holidays!
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